Isiah Christie 
Bayonne is sometimes known as Hudson County’s quiet sibling that never really changes. But the tides have shifted, with a massive amount of projects, additions, and new businesses that will transform the city’s future. With all this ambition going around, it’s safe to say – Bayonne is having a moment. Keep reading to learn about some of Bayonne’s recent developments.
There’s a New Film Studio with a Paramount Skydance Deal
1888 Studios, located on 2 Avenue A, is a film + television studio being developed in downtown Bayonne under the Bayonne Bridge. It takes up almost 60 acres of land in Bayonne, as well as 20 acres in Newark Bay, and is expected to include over 350,000 square feet of production support space, offices, a parking garage, and more. Paramount Skydance recently signed a minimum 10-year lease with the studio.
1888 Studios held its groundbreaking ceremony on December 16, 2025, with several public officials, film executives, and local figures in attendance. Between its construction phase and long-term operations, it is expected to produce 4,300 union jobs. The movie studio will increase the presence of film in an already common town for scene shooting – Bayonne has already been the backdrop of films + TV series such as War of the Worlds, Oz, and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.
Waterfront Expansion with New Homes, A Hotel, + More
One of Bayonne’s recent goals is to expand the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, which overlooks the Hudson River. It is currently home to a couple of small shopping plazas and industrial sites, but talks to expand it for residential + commercial growth are underway.
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The project, named the Harbor Station North Redevelopment Plan, was adopted by Bayonne’s City Council in October of 2025. After developments, the Peninsula is expected to accommodate high-density, multi-family residential spaces, as well as new parking lots, office space, a retail complex, a hotel, and more. There are also plans to include a two-block pedestrian plaza + public park to increase city walkability.
A Project for a Mixed Use Building with 182 Housing Units
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The development of a new 182-unit, 10-story mixed-use building on West 25th Street was greenlit in July of 2025. There will be over 12,000 square feet of community space on the first two floors. In addition to its 182 resident units, it will have 216 parking spaces. It joins the city’s waterfront expansion project as another residential effort to accommodate the city’s growing population, and will occupy a formerly-empty space next to the city’s central Broadway.
A Ferry Route to Manhattan is Being Developed
After years of anticipating a faster route to New York City, Bayonne locals will soon have the option to commute directly to Manhattan with the city’s upcoming ferry system. A groundbreaking for the new ferry site, located next to 51 Port Terminal Boulevard, was held on December 17, 2025, and it will occupy 2.3 acres of land between the terminal, parking facility, and expanded waterway. There is no information on when the terminal will officially open.
Currently, residents can only access the city via congested highway routes or a multi-platform public commute using NJ Transit and the PATH. The new ferry system is expected to improve the city’s access to Manhattan, as well as its economic future.
Opening Ceremonies for a Fire Museum + Park Pavilion
The John T. Brennan Fire Museum, located at 10 W 47th Street, briefly opened to the public during Christmas 2025 and is expected to open permanently in 2026. The full opening will give visitors the opportunity to view historic photographs + artifacts. The museum, which was once a firehouse, is also part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Hudson County officials also broke ground on a new pavilion in Mercer Park. The pavilion will create space for visitors, with the goal of developing a welcoming space for the community. While there are not yet any specific upcoming activities for the space, it will improve Mercer Park’s ability to host events and create a comfortable, collective space for visitors. It will also feature space for concession stands and restrooms.
“I advocated for this project because I know how important safe, welcoming spaces are for our families and seniors alike”, commissioner Jerry Walker stated. “This pavilion is a direct result of listening to constituents, pushing for resources, and making sure every voice in our community is heard.”
New Foodie Destinations
Bayonne’s food culture has also expanded, with a notable number of restaurants opening or gaining popularity within the past year. Among them are:
- Corner Square | 956 Broadway: A quick favorite among locals for its comforting pizza options + seasonal salads.
- Guilt Zero Sweets | 275 Broadway: A novelty dessert spot known for its signature low-calorie crepe cakes and smoothies.
- Gypsy Grill | 489 Broadway: Originally based in Jersey City, the Mediterranean restaurant saw its first expansion with a Bayonne location on Broadway.
- Izzy Macarons | 216 Broadway: A vendor-turned-bakery that delivers handcrafted macarons.
- Taverna on the Hudson | 1 Flagship Street: A Mediterranean waterfront dining experience with a clear view of the New York City skyline.
- Union Grounds Coffee House | 199 Broadway: A cozy cafe with specialty coffee, matcha tea, and baked goods.
Grants for A Youth Baseball Facility + Bayonne Public Library
In May of 2025, Bayonne opened a new $2.4 million special needs baseball facility to support the Division of Recreation’s Special Needs Baseball Program. The facility, located at 11th Street Park, received improvements to infrastructure, including bleachers, fencing, new dugouts, picnic areas, and improved handicap access. The project was developed to support Bayonne’s developmentally and physically challenged youth and raise awareness in the city. It was supported by a $1 million grant, which was awarded in 2023.
The Bayonne Public Library was also issued a $2.3 million grant for interior + exterior renovations, with work beginning in November 2025 and an anticipated completion date of May 2026. Some renovations include:
- A roof + chiller system replacement
- The addition of three reservable meeting rooms to the second floor
- A family restroom
- A lactation space
The library will not be closed during renovations, although BPL staff warn that select rooms may be unavailable during the process.
It Held Its Inaugural Pride Festival: A New Tradition
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Bayonne’s inaugural Pride Festival was held in September of 2025 at G. Thomas DiDomenico Park, marking a new era of LGBTQ+ representation in the city. The festival was coordinated by the Bayonne Heritage Association, a women-led non-profit organization, and featured pride memorabilia, over 20 local vendors, drag performances, and appearances from New Jersey LGBTQ+ organizations. The Bayonne Pride Festival is expected to join the list of annual pride events in Hudson County for the foreseeable future.
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